Friday 2 March, 2012   David A. Selby   Canon, Flashguns, New releases, Triggers   14 Comments

Canon announce radio-controlled Speedlite system

The first camera manufacturer to integrate radio-based triggering in their flashguns, Canon have unveiled the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT and Speedlite 600EX-RT. Sending information via 2.4GHz signal rather than infrared, the new system can operate at up to 30 metres even in bright sunlight and without line-of-sight.Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT

The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT is an E-TTL II commander unit that sits on the hotshoe of your Canon DSLR, powered by two AA batteries. It has a full LCD screen and can control up to 15 remote devices. These can include the new 600EX-RT flashgun or a remote Canon camera connected to a second ST-E3-RT unit. Unfortunately there is no autofocus-assist lamp. The device is weather sealed “to the same degree as professional EOS cameras”.

Since Canon is using the universal licence-free 2.4GHz frequency, in common with many third party triggers, the same models can legally be distributed worldwide, unlike PocketWizard which must make a different version for each market.

Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

The 600EX-RT is Canon’s latest flagship Speedlite with wireless triggering built in. It can act as a slave or be master to up to 15 remote flashes and cameras. The old infrared system can still also be used. As a remote flash, the 600EX-RT can be put into one of five groups when triggered by radio or one of three groups using infrared E-TTL II.

The guide number (GN) is 60 (at 200mm zoom setting), adjustable down to 1/128 of full power in 1/3 stop levels. The flash head tilts, swivels and zooms from 14-200mm. At full power, the recycle time is 3.3 seconds.

Where to buy

The Canon RT system is slated to be ready at the end of March at the following prices.

  • Speedlite 600EX-RT:  $629.99, €699, £679.99 (Pre-order)
  • Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT: $470, €320, £309.99

Could Canon’s announcement make third-party TTL triggers such as the PocketWizard FlexTT5, Pixel King and Phottix Odin redundant? Let us know your thoughts below.

  • lukeap69

    In my opinion Yes. Now I have to sell my 2 580EX and 1 430EX speedlites. :(

    • Lawliet

      Maybe they’ll release a receiver akin to the FlexTT5?
      At least some kind of 430EX-RX would be nice – for the same money I prefer more if smaller units, gives me more options…

      • Tim

        You seriously expect that from the only DSLR company in the world that makes you buy lens hoods separately from the lens?

  • http://www.whitedoor.co.nz/?page_id=8 Nigel King

    Any idea of the sync speed?

    • David A. Selby

      It supports high speed sync, but I imagine you mean with HSS switched off?

  • lukeap69

    Isn’t sync speed dependent with camera?

  • http://SimonFairclough.com Rangefinder General

    Warning slightly rant’y post…
    I can’t believe how slowly Canon and Nikon inch out these things..
    We have all been waiting aeons for these triggers and in the meantime been buying allsorts of crap..
    Nikon can’t be far behind with their’s..

    I still don’t think I will be getting these anytime soon (when Nikon does it) as it would mean replacing all my flash guns, £2-3k, so I guess I will still be waiting to see what the Odins are like or most likely the next gen from Ojecoco.

    RF in the flash is very cool.. But still no WiFi in the cameras without buying a very expensive add on unit..DoH..!!!

  • Rhienck

    Let’s wait for a response from Nikon. Canon went ahead.

  • Andy

    The trigger is too expensive to be a real threat I guess.

    • Lawliet

      You don’t need to buy separate receivers, that has to be factored in. Lets see how much premium the radio flashes cost when the dust has settled.

      For now some 430EXII on FlexTT5 or Odins win, but that might change.

  • http://www.metjegelaatopdegevoeligeplaat.nl mmuetst

    Info from the Canon US site:
    High-Speed Sync provided (EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III only)
    Does this meen jou need to buy a new body as well?

    http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_transmitter_st_e3_rt#Specifications

  • http://www.jam-packed.de Oliver DeClap

    I’m using Pocket Wizard miniTT1 and flexTT5 for Canon about 2 years and I am still happy with them. When I compare PW’s and the Canon solution – I will miss the E-TTL pass-through option of the PW. I think the canon radio tiggers can be a perfect intigrated solution. But what about triggering other flashes like studio or portable mono lights? Will be something available like the flexTT5 for all other flashes incl. studio and mono lights? We will see what Canon announce next ;-) finger cross that this will have an impact on Pocket Wizards pricing list.

  • Bolty

    Does the 600 EX-RT still act as a master and slave like the 550 and 580ex units? And also have to agree with mmuetst if it doesn’t offer the full support range of functions like HSS on older camera bodies why would you bother. I’d be looking at the other wireless alternatives considering I have already invested in the older 580 & 550 units and camera bodies.

    Even then I have to say this is one hell of a flash system. If I was starting out from scratch I would certainly lean towards this system and I love the way that it talks to the other units and gives that little ready beep sound to let you know you are all go to go for your next shot.

    Cheers Adam

  • Daan

    Does anyone know a general reciever/trigger which pickups a signal from the Canon Speedlight 600 EX-RT or Canon st-e3-rt transmitter and sparks my studiolamps? Thanks Daan

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